Belford Bistro, Belford NJ

[Tom D]

Wife and I had been looking forward to trying this new place open only since the end of January.

Let me start by saying it did not disappoint. In fact it was one of the better dinners we have had recently.

The restaurant is tucked away in Belford, between Rt 35 and Rt 36.

The place is attractive is its simplicity, very clean and inviting. Very "bistro" like which is what we enjoy.

Our server was young, enthusiastic and tried to be helpful throughout the meal. Water glasses filled constantly.

Some nice tasty rolls with whipped butter started the meal while we looked at the menu.

For starters we decided on:

Market Salad

warm herbed goat cheese, roasted beets, apple, toasted hazel nuts, mixed greens, and champagne vinaigrette

Boston Bibb Salad

smoked applewood bacon, gorgonzola cheese, avocado, roasted cipollini onions, cucumber, bibb lettuce, chopped egg, and dijon vinaigrette

Both salads were very good and lightly dressed but here was the only small problem of the evening. The bibb salad was actually romaine, not that big a deal but my wife loves bibb.

Entrees were a tough decision as everything sounded great and what was coming out from the kitchen looked great.

We decided on

Roasted New Zealand Rack of Lamb

butternut squash, sautéed baby spinach, caramelized shallots and port wine sauce

Grilled Double Cut Pork Chop

broccoli rabe, gorgonzola cheese, yukon potatoes and zinfandel sauce

Both entrees were outstanding, the lamb was delicious and consisted of an ENTIRE RACK.

Excellent value.

The pork chop was equally good, a two inch thick, perfectly done chop. That with the cheese and potatoes were very indulgent and very good.

We knew that most desserts were from The Flaky Tart and were told that by our server. We split a Key Lime tart that was excellent and had some coffee along with it.

Total bill of two apps. two entrees, one desert and coffee was $72.00 before tax and tip and worth every penny. Also brought a nice California Rhone blend to enjoy with the meal. The place is BYO.

For all the people in NJ, especially central NJ, The Belford Bistro is a welcome addition.

Based on last night it is easily one of the best restaurant in the area and that includes Drew's (which we love) and Old Bay Trattoria in the Highlands.

When we arrived last night at 7:30 the place was filled but not very busy after that. We will certainly continue to support this great new place until its gets better known a la Drew's.

Wish we lived closer.

Here is the website www.belfordbistro.com

Tom

PS The husband and wife chef owners were in the open kitchen, cooking away the entire evening.